SAFA Skysailor Magazine

32 SKY SAILOR July | August 2022 Ferdinand Vogel wins Zillertal Battle 2022 on Nova Mentor 7 Light The comp was attended by several world-class pilots, and is considered a showcase for the current A and B category paragliders. Ferdi won both tasks, “It took patience, mental stamina, a bit of luck – and I am very happy with our new Mentor 7 Light.” In Task 1, a 63.3km race to goal, participants struggled in very stable conditions to which many an experienced pilot fell victim. The ‘doughy’ air demanded patience and tenacity in order to remain in the air. Ferdi managed to win the day with a fine tactical move: Instead of flying the shortest route and bombing like others, he flew backwards in the wrong direc- tion to gain more altitude and therefore get further than all others. One of very few in goal. Task 2 ran after a one-day break, and after some of the top pilots had left for the Freedom Open in Slovenia. The 37.8km race to goal was finished by 24 pilots. Ferdi wasn’t doing well at first, but dared a final approach that required a glide angle of 16 – with a portion of luck, good knowledge of the area and his glider, he managed to overtake the lead gaggle. Partnering with X-Pyr 2022 Nova is the new paraglider partner of the X-Pyr, which starts on 26 July 2022. This hike & fly race across the Pyrenees is probably the one with the highest reputation in the com- munity next to the Red Bull X-Alps. The X-Pyr take place every two years. This year, the 45 athletes have to cover a distance of 605km as crow flies. The route leads from the Atlantic Ocean via eight turn- points to the Mediterranean. The race ends on 2 July 2022 at the latest. More about the route , and follow the race at the X-Pyr website. Till Gottbrath, Nova News & Products Practising for the X-Pyr Photo: Kinga Masztalerz Photo: Courtesy Nova